Does MNing help you if you're having a panic attack?

[maybeitsme]

Just wondering...since I'm having one now. Am trying to distract myself. Anyone else use MN for this? Have never tried it before, usually just ask mundane questions.

Didn't want to read and run, hope you are feeling better now

I do use the internet in general when I am having a panic attack as the distraction always helps, really hope it's finished now for you

((((hugs)))))

Distraction is good. But one of the best things for a panic attack is a paper bag. Have you tried that? MN is also good for giving tips .

go and put your head under the duvet if you can.

usually nothing helps me when i have one...i just have to work it out on my own.
but if you can distract yourself! fantastic!

i hope you are feeling better now too... panic attacks are so scary
x

No, no, don't send her off MN to be alone while she's distressed.

Though, come to think of it, a heavy duvet might work in the same way as the paper bag.

It does, you know. It's very comforting. Don't poke your head out until you feel a bit stifled, and the minute the panic mounts again - head back under.

Yes, MN works for me too.

I once posted whilst in a real spin and got some lovely responses.

I went to M&S and got a bottle of red. Am better now. It kind of worked, coming on MN - always soothing - and probably reminded me about the merits of alcohol. Had tried duvet, actually, but not quite like that, will bear in mind for future. Thank you very much for answering.

Is the paper bag thing that you breathe into it? I know my yoga teacher would've recommended breathing. I did also go in the garden (in rain) and gardened. Am lucky to have garden.

Distraction is good for panic attacks. I have never actually been on MN while having a PA, but have been calmed down when in a bad way by posting on here.

Panic attacks are horrible, you have my sympathy. Have you tried taking Rescue Remedy?

Hope you are feeling better?
I recently started getting panic attacks so you have my sympathy.

i think the worst thing for me, about having a panic attack was the feeling of...how do i explain this...not being here, not being sure if i was doing what i thought i was or like i was suddenly the only person in the world.

so if i felt one coming on i would phone my friend and just say "i'm ok, but talk to me".

she knew exactly what i meant and would just talk to me about what she'd done that day, who she'd seen, what the kids had been up to...would ramble on for ages. she didnt mention panic attacks, or make a big deal of "are you alright" kind of things, just distracted me. it always worked for me.

A bit of anti-panic-attack science:

The physical symptoms of a panic attack can make the emotional aspects worse, which then make the physical bits worse, and so on, and it spirals away out of control. Breathing in and out of a paper bag (or pulling the duvet over your head until it gets too stuffy to bear) re-regulates your breathing and eases the physical symptoms before they take over. It works by making you re-breathe your exhaled CO2. When you have a panic attack you often hyper-ventilate with short fast breaths. That sort of breathing can lead to dizzyness, nausea, palpitations, light headedness (sounds familiar?). But when your body detects too much CO2 in teh blood stream an autmatic system takes over and forces you to breathe more slowly.

It also works for hiccups.

i do and yes

Prettycandles's advice is excellent - do try it. I get panic attacks and have found breathing techniques to really help. I've also read a book - Manage your mind by Tony Hope and Gillian Butler that's helped. There are a couple of good websites too - look at see this page, which I found very useful